Endless Love (Santa’s Secret Helpers #5) - Leeanna Morgan Page 0,57
off in a rush. “This must have taken you months to make.”
The cradle gleamed under the fluorescent hospital lights. Even though Shelley had seen the individual pieces, it wasn’t until they were packing everything for her parents’ move to Sapphire Bay that she saw it finished. Without a doubt, it was one of the best pieces of furniture her dad had ever made.
Ted smiled proudly. “I started it when you told us you were pregnant. Shelley and John have been looking after the cradle since your mom and I moved from Bozeman.”
Sam kissed his cheek. “It’s lovely. Thank you.” She ran her hand over the bunny rabbits and butterflies carved into one end of the cradle. “It will look amazing in Ashley’s bedroom.”
Elena wrapped her arm around her husband’s waist. “It is a wonderful gift, Ted.”
“I’m glad everyone likes it. And now,” Ted said with a smile. “It’s time I held my granddaughter.”
Ted sat in the chair beside Sam’s bed and held out his hands.
Carefully, Shelley handed Ashley to him, making extra sure she supported her head. “There you go,” she murmured.
For someone who hadn’t held a baby for a few years, her dad was a pro. He tucked Ashley against his chest and started talking to her in a low, soft voice.
John pulled out his cell phone and took some photos. When Ashley yawned, everyone smiled.
Shelley looked around the room. There were no words, no profound moments of insight that could replace what this moment represented. It was the beginning of a new generation, the birth of an amazing little girl who had already changed everyone’s life.
When John stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, she sighed. One day, if everything worked out the way they’d planned, her dad would be holding another baby against his chest.
“Your dad looks happy,” John whispered against her ear.
“So does Ashley. She doesn’t seem to mind being handed from one person to the next.”
“That might change in the next few days.” His cell phone beeped and, as he read the message, he frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Mabel sent me a text. She’s asked if I can meet her at the palliative care unit.”
Shelley’s heart sank. “Her mom’s health must have deteriorated.”
From the expression on John’s face, he was expecting the worst. “Would you mind if I went to see her?”
“Of course not. We’ll be okay here.”
“If you decide to stay in a hotel, let me know where it is. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Shelley kissed his cheek. “Give Mabel and Allan my love.”
“I will. Take care of your mom and dad. If you need me, I won’t be far away.”
After saying goodbye to the rest of her family, John left to find Mabel.
With her family still focused on Ashley, Shelley sat in another chair and absorbed the love and wonder in the room. Each life was precious and, for Ashley, her journey had just begun.
THE END
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To discover what happens to Mabel and her family, keep reading for a preview of The Lakeside Inn, the first book in the Return to Sapphire Bay series!
The Lakeside Inn
Return to Sapphire Bay, Book 1
Pre-Order Your Copy Today!
Penny Terry loves her job as a property development manager in one Seattle’s biggest construction companies. When tragedy strikes, she returns to Sapphire Bay to say goodbye to her grandmother and comfort her parents.
The last thing Penny or her sisters expect is to inherit the house her grandma called home. But there’s a catch—and it could change their lives forever.
Wyatt Johnson didn’t move to Sapphire Bay to be harassed by four females and a dog of unknown pedigree. But when the Terry sisters become his neighbors, any chance of completing his latest collection of paintings disappears under a blast of plaster dust and never-ending banging.
When Penny needs his help to solve an old family mystery, they’re drawn into a web of secrets unlike anything Sapphire Bay has ever seen.
Keep reading to enjoy the first chapter in The Lakeside Inn, the first book in the Return to Sapphire Bay series.
Chapter 1
Cold, unwelcome dread filled Penny Terry’s chest as she arrived at the hospital in Polson. Her sweet, adorable grandmother was dying. There were no drugs, no alternative therapies, nothing